Hello San Pedro

This episode was prerecorded back in June but I wasn't able to get it out at that time for a lot of personal reasons you can hear about in the previous episode. However, its a great interview with lead singer of the local band The Habits. Wolf Bradley was one of my very first guests on the podcast and the band just released another EP self-titled "The Habits". They just released a music video for one of their latest singles "Thirsty", which you'll hear a bit from in this episode. 

We talk about everything from the filming of their music video, to Game of Thrones, to Karaoke,  thieir love letter to San Pedro and why they don't fit in the local music scene, and why that's okay. Wolf and I can talk forever but I hope you enjoy our conversation about music, inspiration and lots more. 

He mentions an upcoming show but keep in mind it has since already passed. You might've recently heard The Habits on KROQ this past week for their latest single "Casual".  If you didn't catch them and you want to show some love please go to KROQ.radio.com and vote for them off of the Locals Only playlist (link below).

LINKS: 

VOTE FOR THE HABITS!!! KROQ Locals Only Playlist - Vote for "Casual" by The Habits 

https://kroq.radio.com/blogs/kroq-locals-only-kat-corbett/locals-only-playlist-08-18-2019?fbclid=IwAR0yxuBjb99X3PH55tgNyWfCBNE_N6-s20NWOAkXwoK6fbFZE_pCa2gWVZw

Thirsty Music Video 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YIUgiDrBDtM

Love Letter To San Pedro

https://greenroomstories.com/love-letter-to-san-pedro/?fbclid=IwAR0lde5Md69C5fw0t9cikebjEMOK6jaBVPuFX5iqF7S269UCv2Vbnm0toq0

SPONSOR: 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

Hey friends, I have a lot to say in this solo episode. I hope you have all been well and I appreciate you for sticking around. In this episode I talk about why I took an unannounced two month break from the podcast and what's been going on in my life. In the second part of this episode I catch up on the recent events including the grand reopening of Sirens Java & Tea (my fave local coffee spot) at their new location as well as the grand opening of a brand-new-to-San-Pedro bakery, Colossus Bread + Pastry. I'm looking forward to being back and I'm ready to get some awesome interviews for you.  

In today's episode I sit down with Derek Kissinger to hear how the Harbor BusinessSource Center is creating jobs for our local economy. Ashely Rios, a previous podcast guest and local business owner, joins us also to share her personal experience working with the Business Source Center to open her business Fit Culture Pilates. 

Derek oversees the BusinessSource center in San Pedro and this center offers services available to all LA City residents and business owners at no cost. They do their best to tailor their services to the needs of the business owners but their main focus is growth through helping a business owner or entrepreneur access capital. Between the two BusinessSource centers currently in operation (Harbor-Watts and Hollywood) they are on track for roughly $11,000,000 -$12,000,000 in loans funded to their clients in the past year.  

Derek Kissinger graduated with a BA in Psychology and Business from the University of Minnesota and went on to earn and MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Derek worked as a Business Consultant for MCS for 3 years and enjoys helping small business owners realize their growth potential. In 2016 Derek became the Program Manager for the MCS BusinessSource Network and in 2018 he was promoted to Economic Development Program Director. 

Derek’s focus is to help businesses in need of tools and resources achieve profitability and growth. Through access to capital, managed growth opportunities and targeted new markets, these companies are carefully prepared to become profitable and undergo healthy, sustainable growth, with the ultimate goal of long-term job creation. 

LINKS: 

https://harborbusinesssource.com/

Fit Culture Pilates 

https://www.fitculturepilates.com/

Fit Culture Pilates Opening Party

June 15

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

1426 West 25th Street

San Pedro, CA 90732

SPONSOR: 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

June is PRIDE month and in today's episode Chris Tucker shares why he and his husband chose to leave San Pedro, even after they married here and purchased a home in the community. I offer a public apology to them and all our LGBTQ friends here in town. 

While San Pedro is celebrating its first Pride On The Port event ever, our recent history shows that we have not always been kind to our LGBTQ  community members. Chris Tucker shares his personal encounters with harassment and homophobia in San Pedro. 

A Southern baker at heart, Chris Tucker draws much of his culinary influence from the European style of baking and often time refers to himself as a Southern baker with a French twist. “I believe that European bakers are champions of properly balanced sweets and I aspire daily to be more like the Ottolenghi and Claire Ptak of the pastry world” Carefully crafted with thought and passion, Chris’s menu of perfectly balanced buttercreams slathered atop delicate sponge, crisp biscuits with creamy curd and countless flaky pastries change with the seasons while a few staples are available year-round. When Chris isn’t testing, tasting and tweaking, he can be found inspiring other bakers with his curated online content through his digital platforms and on-camera appearances. In fact, he can be seen on the last season of ABC’s “The Great American Baking Show.” He and his husband married here in San Pedro in September 2017, and even purchased a home here in the community. But soon after they chose to leave the community and in this episode Chris tells us why. 

LINKS: 

https://www.instagram.com/betta_with_butta/?hl=en

https://www.bettawithbutta.com/

https://www.bridgecitiesla.com/

SPONSOR: 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

In today's episode I sit down with Amber Sheikh-Ginsberg, a local activist for our homeless community, to talk about the current state of homelessness in San Pedro and what we can expect from upcoming changes. 

Before we really get into the interview I ask our community to stop doing this one thing: Stop referring to homeless people with derogatory labels. Let's call them people, allowing us to see them as people which will help us treat them like people. I also take a moment to recognize United Methodist Church for their amazing efforts within the homeless community, specifically their pastor Rev. Lisa Williams. 

Amber is a LA-based nonprofit consultant with Thurlow/Associates and San Pedro resident of about a decade. Her clients span the nonprofit field from healthcare to social justice organizations. Prior to becoming a consultant, she worked in homeless services, education, and with social justice organizations. She is currently the Vice Chair of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council's Homelessness Committee and coordinates the CD15 Working Group on Homelessness. She lives in SP with her husband, Joe, and two young children.

I share a recent encounter I had with a woman that appeared to be lost in my parents neighborhood. She was without shoes, and without any belongings, she looked a bit disheveled and perhaps like she hadn't bathed recently. Amber shares why my reaction to this woman was actually rare and shares some insight on how we can treat others that we encounter who appear to be homeless. We go on to discuss the local shelter coming to the community and what we can expect from it. Amber shares that while it will not house every homeless individual at once, it has the potential to solve our local homelessness crisis overtime by propelling individuals upward. This bridge shelter will provide housing to fifty people experiencing homelessness and provide services to get them into more permanent housing. So the goal is to get people in, give them a fresh start and eventually helping them settle in permanent housing on their own. 

LINKS: 

Daily Breeze article about United Methodist event 

https://www.dailybreeze.com/2019/05/29/san-pedro-church-offers-mobile-showers-and-assistance-for-homeless/?fbclid=IwAR1L33GlKef-gNBUODscZUNj64aXhXuDMts4hb13_CQDnD-w5-BJlMaDeUQ

http://www.211.org/

https://www.lahsa.org/portal/apps/la-hop/

SPONSOR: 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

In continuing with the theme of Mental Health Awareness month I sit down with two women who are helping people heal through therapy and sound. Today on the podcast I am joined by Artemis Tegan and Dona Colleen. 

Artemis Tegan is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Artemis earned her Bachelors & Masters Degrees in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University, Los Angeles. Artemis has been working in the counseling field for 24 years.  Artemis is a Trauma Specialist who is skilled in reducing symptoms associated with trauma, including depression, anxiety, relationship problems and addiction issues. Artemis works with children, adolescents and adults in individual, and family therapy using the latest research & practice  informed treatment interventions.  Artemis is trained in Somatic Psychotherapy, EMDR, Clinical Hypnosis, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Pet-Assisted Therapy, & Attachment Informed Therapy.   

Dona Colleen has been a successful business owner in the city of San Pedro for over 15 years.  Dona’s highly inquisitive mind & natural gifts as an intuitive healer drew her to the healing arts many years ago.  Over the last 20 years Dona has immersed herself in the studying of Hypnosis and is a Certified Hypnosis Therapist. She is also a Reiki Master and more recently, took an extensive training in Sound Therapy, through the Vibrational Sound Association.

Together their practices work hand in hand with each other and often treat the same patients. They share their expertise and experience in this episode along with tips to make sure we are taking care of our own mental health. 

Events: 

Teen Support Group - Every Friday starting May 24th/4-5pm ($25 without insurance)

Group Sound Bath  - Once a month starting June 2nd/ 4pm -Please RSVP to [email protected]

LINKS: 

Artemis Center 

https://artemiscenter.net/

Healing Octaves 

https://www.healingoctaves.com/

SPONSOR: 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

In today's episode I sit down with the President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce, Elise Swanson, to talk about all things small business. We discuss the needs of the local small business community, the challenges they face and what she envisions for the future. 

Elise Swanson is the President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce  and represents more than 400 businesses and organizations. She has served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn while she was in Congress and has over 30 years of experience in economic development, small business development, fundraising, planning and outreach. Elise has also worked for the cities of Whittier and Santa Ana but now lives and works locally here in San Pedro. 

LINKS

San Pedro Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.sanpedrochamber.com/

Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/SanPedroChamber/

SPONSOR

https://www.cryptospaceus.com

In today's episode I sit down with Elise Swanson, our go-to woman regarding the local small business community. We talk about what's new, what's to come and some helpful tips for anyone looking to start a small business in San Pedro. 

Elise Swanson is the President and CEO of the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce  and represents more than 400 businesses and organizations. She has served as the District Director for U.S. Rep. Janice Hahn while she was in Congress and has over 30 years of experience in economic development, small business development, fundraising, planning and outreach. Elise has also worked for the cities of Whittier and Santa Ana but now lives and works locally here in San Pedro. 

LINKS 

San Pedro Chamber of Commerce 

https://www.sanpedrochamber.com/

SP Calendar

https://www.sanpedrochamber.com/events/calendar/

 Sponsor

Cryptospace 

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

In honor of Mental Health Awareness month I really wanted to shed light on the issues which is why this week's episode I sit down with local Mental Health Advocate Rudy Caseres. 

Rudy Caseres is an award-winning mental health advocate, public speaker, and event producer. He has traveled the country delivering keynote presentations, worked with organizations such as the American Association of Suicidology, This is My Brave, Mental Health America, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and has hosted various storytelling events at The Garden Church and the Warner Grand Theatre. He was named one of The Mighty’s Mental Health Heroes of 2017 and hosts a Facebook Live interview show for them every month. Rudy currently serves as a board member of the Coastal San Pedro Neighborhood Council and is their Homelessness Liaison. He is also currently a candidate for San Pedro Honorary Mayor and you can still contribute to his campaign. 

Together we discuss what so many have wrong about mental health. For example the fact that mental health is something that affects us all and that people aren't necessarily mentally ill and mentally well, there are many "in-betweens". It's a spectrum that everyone is on. Rudy would like to see less binary definitions in the mental health world, where we put people into two categories; well and not well. He shares some personal stories and experiences he's had struggling with suicidal thoughts as many have. One of things we talk most about is how we can reduce the stigma around mental health. He thinks that giving resources and funding to peer-to-peer groups and advocates are one of the most impacting things we can do as a community. Often large organizations approach mental health struggles from an outside perspective, whereas peer-to-peer methods really come from the stand point of  "we're in it together".

LINKS: 

Rudy's website

https://www.rudycaseres.com/rudy4mayor.html

https://www.rudycaseres.com/no-restraints

Rudy on Facebook 

Facebook.com/RudyCaseres

Rudy's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rudycaseres/

Rudy's Twitter

https://twitter.com/RudyCaseres

SPONSORS

Cryptospace

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cryptospace.us/

In this week's episode I sit down with Ashley Rios, young entrepreneur and owner of Fit Culture Pilates. 

Ashley Rios and I hit it off really well in this episode and we talked a lot. We talked about really important realities of being a millennial such as facing student loan debt, choosing money over passion and experiencing a quarter life crisis. 

Having an education in fashion and experience in the fashion industry as a fashion designer, Ashley found herself stressed and in pain. She discovered that she was having sever back issues and sought out pilates as a means to  heal and strengthen herself. Pilates soon became her ritual and now her passion. After years of enduring a toxic working environment in the fashion industry she also found herself a victim to sexual harassment which led her on a healing journey and resulted in seed money for her business. She spent a year traveling and found peace after attending many health and fitness retreats. 

A local girl, raised in San Pedro, she decided that her next adventure would be as an entrepreneur. She chose to pursue her passion for fitness, specifically pilates, here in San Pedro. Her pilates studio is set to open this month (May 2019) and is set to be the only pilates studio in town. She tells us about her journey to getting a business location and finalizing the details of her new venture. 

Be sure to check out the links in the show notes. 

LINKS: 

Fit Culture Pilates

https://www.fitculturepilates.com/

Fit Culture on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/fitculturepilates/

Register 

https://clients.mindbodyonline.com/ASP/su1.asp?studioid=435133&tg=&vt=&lvl=&stype=&view=&trn=0&page=&catid=&prodid=&date=5%2f2%2f2019&classid=0&prodGroupId=&sSU=&optForwardingLink=&qParam=&justloggedin=&nLgIn=&pMode=0&loc=1

SPONSORS

Cryptospace

https://www.cryptospaceus.com/

https://www.instagram.com/cryptospace.us/

Badfish

https://badfishclothing.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/badfishclothing/